EDITORIAL

E D I TORIAL The other day I was sitting in the hub and overheard every On Dit editor’s dream. A group of people with copies of On Dit debating the contents of our last issue. No doubt, given the upcoming elections, which greet us with candidate signs (the festive decorations of the ‘election season’) at every stobie pole and street light we drive by, the political issues presented in the magazine were of particular interest. From the views (or lack thereof) espoused by various political parties within Left Right Centre to the social issues addressed throughout following articles. There was conversation, disagreement, sighs of exasperation, but then also seemingly thoughtful nods and maybe one enlightened pause in considering a perspective not yet encountered. That right there, was a goal achieved. When you ask me why I decided to study journalism, I have to admit I’m rather sentimental. Admittedly I probably entered this industry with a romanticised goal in mind. I wanted (and really I still want) to tell stories and through this, inform, educate and entertain… yes, I am quoting the three golden words of western journalism. Ultimately, I wanted my storytelling to allow people to debate, to become impassioned, to empathise, to learn and to grow. And while narrative based journalism is not always possible for every story, I do think making the news more accessible is important. I think sometimes, particularly when you have the privilege of being university educated, and arugably further so in the arts where politics is a part of almost everything we study, we forget how easy it is for so many to become disengaged and indeed disenfranchised from such political discussions. I have learnt over the last couple years in having tough conversations over topical issues with family members, that when faced with a new and seemingly controversial issue, people will often connect with humans before they do ideas. For instance some will saying ‘I don’t get feminism’, but then no doubt feel nothing but heartbreak in seeing the horror of yet another woman dying at the hands of her intimate partner. It’s then, sometimes (realistically not always) that we start to have some conducive discussions around the oppression and abuse faced by women. Or even the case of climate change. We look to the people who are faced with the devastating consequences of the extreme, 1% probability (one in a hundred year) floods in Queensland and NSW this year, knowing it is only one indicator of the climate crisis, and say…see, this isn’t political, it’s human. In the case of our university – as appalling as it is – it seems to be one thing to know statistically that sexual harrassment and assualt is a big issue on campus, and yet another entirely to read the news reports of the experiences of someone who lives with the implications of being that statistic. And only now we take action? I recognise what I describe is flawed and frustrating at times, but I do believe it nonetheless shows the importance of us having real conversations with one another. Sharing our knowledge, our experiences and equally listening to that of others, especially when they belong to a group typically marginalised by the mainstream media. My hope is that On Dit, in this issue and the ones that follow within and beyond my editorial role, will be a place for and instagator of these types of conversations. That people can read the statistics, the ideas, as well as the lived experiences, and understand that everything we engage with is ‘political’, and yet equally inherently human. Healthcare, education, the environment, safety and security, identity, food, art, representation and recognition, may be political issues, but they are only so, because they are essential to the quality of human life. I hope you enjoy our Issue 4 and let the conversations begin! Sincerely, Grace Atta

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